DOH Leaders Highlight Outdated Regs, Care Deserts

March 13, 2026

Pennsylvania’s outdated hospital regulations, maternal health deserts, and protecting rural health headlined the House Appropriations Committee’s final budget hearing this week.

Leaders from the Department of Health and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs appeared before the House Appropriations Committee for the final budget hearing on Thursday.

Among the key takeaways:

Regulatory update

Hospital regulations in Pennsylvania are about 40 years old. Dr. Debra Bogen, health secretary, said it's important the regulations offer flexibility to adjust for evolution in health care, which happens quickly.

Bogen estimated the release of the proposed regulations by next year and noted regulatory guidance around attestation and on-site physician requirements that have provided some regulatory relief for providers. Regulatory flexibility is particularly important for rural areas to ensure they can support care in their communities, she noted.

“We are trying to do the best we can within the regulatory framework we have to be responsive and to be flexible, and we have been working with HAP and the rural hospitals," Bogen said.

Maternal care deserts

Workforce shortages and the cost of maternity care are contributing to so-called “care deserts,” especially in rural regions.

“It's not just a Department of Health issue. This is a statewide issue that we all need to address together,” Bogen said.

Promoting vaccines

The Department of Health has consolidated its vaccine education into a single resource and  has a work group focused on vaccines. This has been particularly important amid conflicting guidance at the federal level.

Other items

Concerns about the quality and safety of unregulated products has led to confusion about the products that are tested and regulated as part of the state medical marijuana program, Department of Health officials said.

The hearing also featured discussion of staffing and the role of private equity in health care.

Watch the budget hearing online.